Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells 🧀🥦🍗 – A Comforting Weeknight Dinner Favorite

Need a hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly dinner idea? These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the answer. Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese, these jumbo pasta shells are covered in a creamy sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of comforting casserole you’ll want to make again and again—especially on busy weeknights or when you need to feed a hungry crowd.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken and sneak in some veggies. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally customizable. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and dinner is done!

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
1½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup steamed broccoli, finely chopped
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Stuff the shells: Gently fill each cooked shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Serve warm: Garnish with parsley if desired and enjoy!

Prep & Cook Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Flavor & Texture

Creamy & cheesy: Rich cheddar and creamy soup sauce create ultimate comfort food vibes.
Hearty: Tender chicken and pasta shells make this a filling meal.
Balanced: Broccoli adds a nice crunch and fresh contrast to the cheesy goodness.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor.
Try with cream of mushroom or broccoli soup for variety.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for a golden, savory top.
Want more veggies? Mix in chopped spinach or bell peppers!

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze it? Absolutely. Assemble the dish and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

3. What’s the best chicken to use? Leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works great. Just make sure it’s tender and well-seasoned.

4. Can I use fresh broccoli? Yes—just steam or sauté it lightly before mixing it into the filling.

5. Can I double the recipe? Easily! Use a larger baking dish or two pans for meal prep or entertaining.

6. Is this kid-friendly? Very! The cheesy filling and creamy sauce are loved by even picky eaters.

7. Can I use other pasta? You can layer the filling and sauce with cooked lasagna noodles for a quick lasagna-style bake.

8. What sides go well with this? Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great pairings.

9. Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta shells and a gluten-free cream soup substitute.

10. How do I store leftovers? Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

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Conclusion: Cheesy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing 🧀🥦🍗

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are pure comfort food made easy. With a creamy chicken filling, tender pasta, and gooey cheese topping, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a cozy casserole to a potluck, it’s sure to be devoured fast. Quick to prep, easy to bake, and loved by all—go ahead and add it to your dinner rotation tonight!